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NHS and Social Services: Coronavirus

Question for Department of Health and Social Care

UIN 43098, tabled on 4 May 2020

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what psychological support his Department is offering to (a) NHS and (b) social services (i) staff and (ii) volunteers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Answered on

12 May 2020

The Department has commissioned NHS England to develop a comprehensive emotional, psychological and practical support package for National Health Service staff during and following the COVID-19 response. This currently includes free access to well-being apps, a dedicated support helpline and text service, and a separate helpline offering bereavement support. The Department is working with partners to extend both helplines to the social care workforce and will also be introducing an app and website aimed at providing timely information for the adult social care workforce.

NHS and social care organisations are continuing to support the psychological welfare of their volunteer staff, in line with the latest health, safety and wellbeing guidance.